Synopses & Reviews
Self-Interest before Adam Smith inquires into the foundations of economic theory. It is generally assumed that the birth of modern economic science, marked by the publication of The Wealth of Nations in 1776, was the triumph of the 'selfish hypothesis' (the idea that self-interest is the motive of human action). Yet, as a neo-Epicurean idea, this hypothesis had been a matter of controversy for over a century and Smith opposed it from a neo-Stoic point of view. But how can the Epicurean principles of orthodox economic theory be reconciled with the Stoic principles of Adam Smith's philosophy? Pierre Force shows how Smith's theory refutes the 'selfish hypothesis' and integrates it at the same time. He also explains how Smith appropriated Rousseau's 'republican' critique of modern commercial society, and makes the case that the autonomy of economic science is an unintended consequence of Smith's 'republican' principles.
Synopsis
Pierre Force studies the history of the concept of self-interest to understand its meaning by the time that Adam Smith used it as an axiom in The Wealth of Nations. He demonstrates that Smith, unlike many of his predecessors and contemporaries, never endorsed the idea that self-interest is the motivation behind all human action, although the selfish hypothesis did have a place in his doctrine. This book provides insight on classic puzzles of economic theory and is a major work from an outstanding scholar.
Synopsis
A study of the history of the concept of self-interest before Adam Smith, in order to understand what it meant when Adam Smith used it as an axiom in The Wealth of Nations. The author shows that Smithâs theory refutes the âselfish hypothesisâyet integrates it at the same time.
Synopsis
A conceptual and historical inquiry into the concept of self-interest before Adam Smith.
About the Author
Pierre Force is Nell and Herbert M. Singer Professor of Contemporary Civilization and Professor of French at Columbia University, New York. He is the author of Le Problème Hermèneutique chez Pascal (1989) and Molière ou Le Prix des choses (1994).
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. Self-interest as a first principle; 2. Epicurean vs. stoic schemes; 3. Self-interest and reason; 4. Passions, interests and society; 5. Interested and disinterested commerce; 6. Self-interest and the public good; Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.